Recent Trends in Automobile Engineering Self Driving/ Autonomous Cars

Abstract

Cars have become increasingly safe and convenient since the rise of the commercial automobile industry in late 1980s. Recently car makers have begun to introduce advance driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control (which automates accelerating and braking) and active lane assist (which automates steering). Researches in autonomous cars has progressed remarkably over the years and it has been found that these systems are capable enough that the new vehicles can drive themselves in slow-moving highway traffic. In 2010, four driverless vans traveled from Italy to China. The Electric Automobile company, Tesla Motors came up with its first autonomous car Tesla Model X. Although self-driving cars may still seem like science fiction, many auto suppliers, and carmakers project that fully autonomous cars will be available before 2020. This report begins by describing the landscape and key players in the self-driving car market. Current capabilities as well as limitations and opportunities of key enabling technologies are reviewed, along with a discussion on the impact of such advances on society and the environment. This report also reviews legal and regulatory uncertainties. Finally, predictions about changes in the car-industry are made.